Saudi Arabian sports groups have offered close to 100 million US dollars to host a fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. The fight is set to take place on December 7th in Riyadh. It will be aired on DAZN (USA) and Sky Box Office (UK).
Joshua, the recently deposed world heavyweight champion, should be driven to reclaim three of the four main world title belts. The announcement should be out on the 9th August, but it is thought the IBF, WBO and WBA titles are up for grabs.
The match is highly anticipated, and other venues were on the table. Dubai and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium were amongst the offers made.
Joshua and Ruiz last faced each other at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1st this year. Ruiz only standing in for Jarrell Miller, after Miller tested positive for illegal substances, taking the fight less than six weeks in advance. The fight became one of the greatest twists of heavyweight boxing after Joshua lost in the seventh round.
Ruiz was knocked down in the third round, but recovered to drop Joshua a total of 4 times. The fight was ended by referee Mike Griffin after he decided Joshua was no longer fit to continue.
Saudi Arabia has hosted two major bouts involving British boxers in the last 11 months, but it is likely this will be the most popular one so far.
For more boxing news, Manny Picquiao Is Still Boxing Like A Pro In His 40s.
